Molazzana Castle (Castello di Molazzana)

The Molazzana fortress constitutes the central nucleus of the town from which it takes its name, qualifying itself as the most architecturally important structure in the settlement, built on a rocky outcrop along the south-eastern slope of Montealtissimo. The circuit, where it is still intact, has high stone walls and battlements that were largely rebuilt in the 20th century, surrounding the ancient cliff levelled at the summit. This upper part was transformed into a memorial park and planted with cypresses following the damage caused by the devastating earthquake of 1920. Traces of a second wall surrounding the fortress have been lost, although their curvilinear course can still be identified from the concentric profile of the settlement below. Of the buildings originally on the summit terrace, only the bell tower of the first church of San Bartolomeo (demolished in 1855 and rebuilt further downslope) and a visibly remodelled residential building remain.